Menu

Comprehensive Immigration Report No. 281

It
is difficult, if not impossible to adequately review the
public activity related to migrants and refugees during the past week. Who can
forget the heartbreaking picture of Oscar Alberto Martinez Ramirez and his
23-month-old daughter, Valeria, lying face down in the Rio Grande River? With
the Administration threatening, recanting then threatening again to round up
immigrants, hold them in detention centers and deport them, how do people of
faith respond? What response can the Catholic community to these events?

Do Not Panic But Be Prepared! When approached by ICE or other law enforcement officers, it is important to know your rights. Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) has materials to help protect you and your family. Download and study the materials in a variety of languages before you need them. Share them with fellow parishioners.

Catholic Reactions to Drownings. Pope Francis was “profoundly saddened” by the deaths of father and daughter. USCCB president Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and Migration Committee chair Bishop Joe Vasquez said, “This image cries to heaven for justice.”

Bishop Mark Seitz responded with a statement and by personally escorting asylum seekers across the International Bridge in El Paso, Texas.

Do
Not Forget About DACA Renewals!
Those who have been registered in the Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
program may still seek renewal of their registrations. The Administration is
still seeking Court approval for ending the program and the Supreme Court will
hear argument on the continued viability of the program in the fall of this
year or the spring of 2020. Those who can renew now should do so as soon as
possible in case the Court ends or modifies DACA.